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Electric Propulsion Engineer

NewOrbit Space Ltd.
London
1 month ago
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At NewOrbit Space, our mission it to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

You will be responsible for calculating, designing, testing, and optimizing the electric plasma propulsion system within our vacuum facilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Owning the system and managing the entire testing process.

  • Rapidly iterate new designs, ensuring successfull delivery of the demonstration mission.

  • You will collaborate with our mechanical, electrical and control engineers to test new iterations of the ion propulsion system, ensuring its flawless operation.

  • Assembling test hardware and electronics and operating our vacuum facilities.

  • Performing electric propulsion tests and analysing its data.

Fundamental Requirements

  • 7+ years of relevant experience in the field of electric propulsion, which could also include your PhD degree.

  • Strong knowledge of spacecraft Electric propulsion systems (such as RF Thrusters, Hall Effect Thrusters, Gridded Ion Propulsion, and other types) is required.

  • Previous practical experience in electric propulsion testing, ideally involving RF generators, high voltage power supplies and thrust balance.

  • Experience in working with vacuum systems (pumps, gauges and valves), power supplies, fluidic management systems (compressed gas and mass flow controllers) and data acquisition systems.

  • Solid understanding of plasma physics, modelling and diagnostics, ionisation processes.

Why NewOrbit Space?

  • Pioneering Space Technology– You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.

  • Unmatched Ownership and Impact–You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

  • Equity and Competitive Salary– You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package–Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.


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